What we’re about
This group is operated by the City of Austin's Wildland Conservation Division and Travis County Natural Resources (1/14/2020). It was created to encourage awareness of and access to the Balcones Canyonland Preserve (BCP). Through the promotion of public educational opportunities, our members will be in the loop of special access hikes, lectures and volunteer opportunities. The BCP is not one single tract of land but a system of preserves located in Travis County that exists as a multi-agency conservation effort operating under a regional 10(a) permit issued under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFW). In addition to existing as habitat for endangered species, these lands provide habitat for numerous native plants and animals and contribute to improved air and water quality and quality of life for the people of Austin.
Check out the BCP events calendar to see all upcoming events on the BCP:
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=hikeandlecture@gmail.com&ctz=America/Chicago&pli=1
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Historic Homesteads on Onion CreekNeeds location
TO REGISTER FOR THIS HIKE YOU MUST SIGN UP ON OUR EXTERNAL WEBSITE: www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents
Difficulty: Moderate hike that requires some off-trail walking through tall grasses
**Distance: ~**4 miles – 4 hours
Location: In Driftwood off FM 967 near 1626. Directions sent upon registration at www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents.Enjoy the beautiful grassland savanna landscape, discover historic homesteads, and learn about how Austin Water manages land and recharge features for groundwater on this 4-mile guided interpretive hike on the Wildlands' Onion Creek property. This hike proceeds at a leisurely pace along old ranch roads and woodland trails, with some off-trail walking through tall grasses.
A few reminders about the conservation lands - there is no running water on site and pets and smoking are not permitted. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
No RSVP on meetup needed, you have to reserve your spot here: www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents
- Jollyville Unit RambleSnowden Tract, Travis County BCP, Cedar Park, TX
Difficulty: Moderate – lengthy hike with a few steep incline and declines
Distance: Approximately 5 miles – 3.5 hours
Location: We will meet at the Snowden house, near Anderson Mill and FM 2769Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve's (BCP) Interpretive Guide, Jaya Torres, for a lengthy nature hike through a portion of our Jollyville unit where we will cover portions of three different BCP tracts. We will explore creek crossings, walk through golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo habitat, and have time along the hike for various talking points.
The BCP is one of the nation’s largest urban preserves, covering more than 33,000 acres in western Travis County – about 50 square miles. It is made up of more than 140 individual tracts managed by both public and private partners. The BCP was created in 1996 and continues to protect habitat for seven endangered species and other species of concern found on the preserve.
The entrance to Snowden can be tricky to find. We recommend you search for "Snowden Tract, Travis County BCP" in Google maps, and it will take you to the correct gate.
If you have not joined us on the Travis County BCP for an event in the past, please fill out and submit a volunteer waiver. *If you have filled one out in the past, you do not need to do so again.
